DCF & Asian Rhinoplasty

Asian Nose Surgery in Los Angeles

Asian Rhinoplasty is a technically challenging and delicate procedure that requires a skillful plastic surgeon who is both meticulous and has a keen eye for detail. However, the most important aspect of performing a Rhinoplasty is not the procedure itself, but to have a clear idea of the realistic expectations of the patient. A beautiful shape of the nose is important to a person because it stands at the center of the face, giving harmony to the overall facial appearance.

Asian Nose Surgery Offers Facial Enhancement Benefits

The majority of our East Asian patients in Los Angeles seeks nasal augmentation in contrast to Occidental or European patients who generally request a reduction. On average, the East Asian nose appears more triangular, the nasal bridge is typically flatter, the spine is often shorter and less defined, and the tip of the nose tends to be wider and less angular.

Southeast Asians typically benefit the most from augmentation of the bridge and length, while East Asians often request less, or even none at all. The desire for nostril reduction is also more frequent in Southeast Asians than those from the Northeast. Asian nose surgery can be more challenging because the cartilage is often more fragile and the overlying skin is thicker.

DCF Rhinoplasty

The goal of an Asian rhinoplasty is no longer just to increase the size of the nose as it was 20 years ago. With a greater understanding of the anatomy, we now augment the dorsum (bridge) separately, carefully defining and augmenting the tip of the nose using a separate, anatomical unit. The nasal tip can be sculpted by manipulating the cartilages of the nose as well as augmenting it with cartilage from the septum and ear. The dorsum, which refers to the bony area of the nose that runs from between the eyes through the tip of the nose, can be augmented with either a synthetic implant made of silicone or EPTFE (Gore-Tex) or a graft made from the patient’s own tissue, referred to as diced cartilage fascia (DCF).

Unlike an implant which comes in pre-defined sizes and shapes, the DCF graft can be molded to the surgeon’s desire, much like a sculptor molding clay. Once the DCF graft incorporates into the nose, it becomes a part of the patient and feels like part of the native nose and gives the nose a very natural look.

Although the risk of an infection of a synthetic implant is low, the risk remains present throughout the lifetime of the implant. If the implant becomes infected, the body may not be able to clear the infection, even with antibiotics, requiring the removal of the implant. One of the other advantages of the DCF graft is that it behaves like any other part of the patient’s own body. Although exceedingly rare, a nasal infection with DCF can be treated with antibiotics like an infection to any other part of the body.

Start Your Asian Rhinoplasty in Los Angeles

When you come in for your consultation, we will listen carefully to your expectations in order to gauge how much augmentation is needed, as well as the type of treatment each area of your nose will need. We know how critical it is that you and your surgeon are on the same page, so please do not be afraid to ask questions or bring up any concerns.

Don’t waste time speaking with plastic surgeons who are unfamiliar with the anatomy of your type of nose. At Wave Plastic Surgery, we specialize in providing natural looking results for the growing Asian American community in Southern California. Give us a call today to speak with one of our trained plastic surgeons.

Patients featured in the Before & After gallery are actual Wave patients; results may vary. Performance of surgery advertised in all Wavepromotions is contingent on the patient’s evaluation by a Wave Plastic Surgeon.